The e-mail scandal dubbed Climategate raises serious questions about the science used to justify alarmist global warming policies. John Locke Foundation Vice President for Research and Resident Scholar Roy Cordato explained this week to Charlotte Observer readers how the recent scandal should influence North Carolina’s efforts to pursue climate policies. Meanwhile, a news release connected with the federal Wyden-Gregg “Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2010” cites expert commentary from Cordato. Four of Cordato’s research colleagues hit the road this week. Research Director Michael Sanera spoke to Fearrington Republicans about Chatham County’s land-use plan, emphasizing points from his paper on the proposed “land grab.” Joseph Coletti, Director of Health Care and Fiscal Policy Studies, traveled to Iredell County to discuss with county commissioners a way to include risk and opportunity cost when they calculate incentives. Terry Stoops, Director of Education Studies, discussed education policy during a “Super Tuesday” presentation to the Duke Political Union. The N.C. News Network crafted another story this week from its recent interview with Stoops about the future of the public school history curriculum. The Winston-Salem Journal interviewed Stoops about his recent research exposing a double standard for performance of public charter and district schools. The Heritage Foundation’s InsiderOnline also publicized Stoops’ recent charter school research. The News & Observer‘s WakeEd blog publicized comments from Stoops (and Right Angles blogger Donna Martinez) about the controversy surrounding outgoing Wake County public school superintendent Del Burns. Daren Bakst, JLF Director of Legal and Regulatory Studies, also hit the road for a presentation to the Southern Wake Republican Club on cap-and-trade proposals. In other news, Bakst released his latest policy report urging seven reforms of the state’s regulatory process. The N.C. Bar Association plans to promote Bakst’s findings in its administrative law newsletter. The Heartland Institute’s energy and environment publication interviewed Bakst for an article about the dubious benefits of promoting wind energy. A Web site called World News Network also featured a video clip of Bakst discussing a loophole associated with North Carolina’s renewable energy mandates. Speaking of JLF research, a McDowell News report this week on election filings featured comments from one candidate who cited the annual By The Numbers assessment of McDowell’s tax burden.